The West Virginia Autism Training Center is expanding its reach in the state. WV ATC, located at Marshall University in Huntington, has partnered with Concord University to develop on-campus support in Athens for students who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

The West Virginia Autism Training Center is expanding its reach in the state. WV ATC, located at Marshall University in Huntington, has partnered with Concord University to develop on-campus support in Athens for students who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

The West Virginia Child Advocacy Network and West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence are getting help from Verizon's HopeLine program to help those affected by domestic violence and child abuse.

The West Virginia Child Advocacy Network and West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence are getting help from Verizon's HopeLine program to help those affected by domestic violence and child abuse.

West Virginia’s Division of Corrections is hoping to close the door to recidivism by helping inmates with drug problems break the grip of addiction. The state already opened two 28-bed units — one for men, the other for women — at Southwestern Regional Jail to accommodate inmates sentenced to DOC custody who are serving parts of those sentences in the separately run regional jail system.

West Virginia’s Division of Corrections is hoping to close the door to recidivism by helping inmates with drug problems break the grip of addiction. The state already opened two 28-bed units — one for men, the other for women — at Southwestern Regional Jail to accommodate inmates sentenced to DOC custody who are serving parts of those sentences in the separately run regional jail system.

In September, when Glen Dale’s Reynolds Memorial Hospital launched its BreakThru program, the staff figured they’d have between five and 10 patients a month coming in for help with getting on the road to a drug-free life.

In September, when Glen Dale’s Reynolds Memorial Hospital launched its BreakThru program, the staff figured they’d have between five and 10 patients a month coming in for help with getting on the road to a drug-free life.

Years in the making, Boone Memorial Hospital broke ground for its new facility today in Madison, West Virginia.

CEO Tommy Mullins said the hospital has spent the past 12 years trying to make it happen.

“I feel it has been a long time coming, but (it’s) one that has been much needed,” Mullins said. “I’m very excited that we are closer to seeing a long-time dream come true for the community. The board of directors is certain this new design will provide modern, quality medical health care to our citizens.”

Construction was made possible through a $31.8 million USDA loan, announced several weeks ago by USDA Rural Development’s West Virginia Director, Bobby Lewis, and Mullins.

The replacement hospital will be constructed adjacent to the existing facility in Madison. The contract was awarded to Neighborgall Construction Company, Huntington, West Virginia, and Cherry River Construction, Poca, West Virginia.

Construction will take about 24 months to complete.

“We have been working for twelve years to make this project a reality,” Mullins said. “It took a significant commitment from my Board of Directors, hospital management and staff, Boone County Officials, both State and Congressional elected officials, and our professional support team to help make the loan closing (and) ground breaking possible. On behalf of myself and our board of directors, I extend my personal appreciation to all who have worked so diligently to make this happen.”

Lewis said the $31.8 million USDA loan is “the largest direct loan ever made by USDA in West Virginia, adding that he’s proud to have helped fund a project that secures health care for the Boone County region.

Boone Chairman Bob Brown said the board of directors is “committed to making sure Boone County citizens have accessible, superior, local health care and that the future of health care is secured for the County and Region.”

“The Board wants to express its appreciation to the USDA and the many who have dedicated the time and effort to make the loan closing and ground breaking possible,” Brown added.

Mullins had been with the hospital since 1964, and has served as its administrator or CEO since 1967.